Back to Africa

This week at the zoo I was lucky enough to go back to Africa for work. This time I worked with Ben in Africa, and I had an awesome week! I think because I know the routine in Africa so much better now, it's easier for me to jump in and help and get the work done efficiently. Plus, I just love the amount of animal contact I get in Africa.

I got to handle the entire tortoise exhibit by myself today! Although it's not really a big job, it's nice to know that I am now trusted enough to go into an animal exhibit and get all the work done. Plus, I always love to see my favorite tortoise, Bubba, and give him a little pat on the head.  I also helped with training Kiko (the giraffe) today, which is the first time I've been able to actually participate in the training process! It was awesome to see how much progress Kiko has been making and it was so nice to be able to be a part of the process. Additionally, I got to feed the lions today (which is basically just dumping their food in their den, but still, cool!) and prepare the entire giraffe diet for the afternoon. I honestly loved being so independent and knowing what to do and how to do it.

An interesting thing I noticed today is that keepers each do things so differently. The same things get done, but the order and process are totally different, depending on the keeper! I think this is an interesting observation, and it makes me feel better about my work because I'm learning that there is no one right way to do things. The important thing is that the work gets done, and gets done well, and not how it was done.

On a final, exciting note, the keepers started to remember my name this week! I know this is kind of a trivial thing, but I was so happy to hear people calling me by name, because it means that they care enough to learn and remember it! I've been having a great time in this past month at the zoo, and I'm looking forward to the future!